Pediatric Dapsone (Avlosulfon®) Types, Uses and Side Effects

What Is Dapsone?

Dapsone (Avlosulfon®) is used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia – a condition that can be fatal to immunosuppressed patients, such as children who have had a liver transplant. It can also be used to treat leprosy, malaria, arthritis, and other skin conditions.

Dapsone Dosage

Dapsone is taken by mouth and is available in 25- and 100-mg tablets.

How to Properly Take Dapsone

Your child should take dapsone daily as directed, with or without food. It is important for your child to continue this medication as long he or she is taking immunosuppressants.

Missed Doses

If your child misses a dose of dapsone, he or she should take it as soon as one of you remembers. If you remember within two hours of the time for your child’s next dose, however, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Dapsone Side Effects

Common side effects of dapsone include:

Stomach pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Stomach upset (Take dapsone with food or milk if this occurs.)

Rare side effects of avlosulfon include:

Tingling of hands and feet

Dizziness

Lack of coordination

Muscle weakness

Blurred vision

Ringing in the ears

Fever

Sore throat

Rash

Weakness

Fatigue

Jaundice

Rapid heartbeat

Anemia

Notify your coordinator if your child experiences any of these effects.

Dapsone Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medication your child is taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.

Dapsone Storage

Store dapsone at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Precautions for Children and Adolescents

Your child should not stop taking this medication unless advised by the transplant service. If your child has a known allergy to sulfa medications, such as Bactrim, he or she may be given this drug. A small number of patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs are also allergic to dapsone. Notify your transplant coordinator if your child develops a rash while taking dapsone.

This medication may cause photosensitivity. Make sure your child wears sunscreen and protective clothing when playing outdoors.

Dapsone Availability

Not all pharmacies stock dapsone. Call your pharmacist at least five working days before you need to fill a dapsone prescription, to make sure the medication will be available.

Drug information changes periodically. For the most updated information on drugs, visit www.drugs.com.